Dangers of Dog Rawhide

Some of the most popular treats out in the market today are rawhide-based.  Dogs love them because it gives them something to do, and they can taste good too!  These treats may seem like the perfect solution for dogs to chew on, but there are some dangers of giving your dog rawhide.  Our article will outline some of these dangers to keep you aware.

Contamination – It is surprising the number of contaminants that can be hidden in rawhide chews.  The main issue is that most of these chews are manufactured outside of the United States.  This means that there are fewer regulations regarding contamination.  Rawhide chews have been known to contain insecticides and antibiotics.  If that isn’t enough, bacteria can also grow on the chews as well.  This is extremely harmful, and your dog may be at risk of becoming sick if ingested.

Digestion – Did you know that rawhide treats are made from the inner layer of hide from horses or cows?  The hide is ground up and pressed into different shapes.  The alarming thing is that this material is hard to digest.  It may cause gastrointestinal issues leaving your dog in a lot of pain.

Choking – This is a huge red flag!  You should never give your dog treats if you are not home to supervise them.  As the dog chews the rawhide and bites pieces off, it can become a major choking hazard.

As you can see, there are several dangers regarding rawhide treats.  The good thing is that there are many healthy alternatives to these types of treats.  Bully sticks and bones may be a good option.  Rawhide may be a convenient treat to give your dog.  However, you must ask yourself if you are willing to risk your dog’s health and safety in the long run.